Police heroes who waded into flood waters to rescue children and the elderly have been honoured by Sussex Police.

Sergeant Simon Nelson and PC David Hourihane were on the scene when floods first hit Robertsbridge in October.

They repeatedly went into the cold and fast-flowing waters and evacuated a very ill woman stranded inside her home and then a two-month-old baby and her mother.

The officers returned to the waters several more times to check that all residents were accounted for.

PC Michael Peters boarded an inflatable craft to help rescue stranded residents.

At one point he waded chest-high through contaminated water to rescue an elderly resident whose home was surrounded by the floods.

When one resident became agitated and a crew member struggled to keep their heads above water, PC Peters jumped in and helped lift the victim into the boat.

All three officers have been awarded merit certificates with citations: "The lives of others would have been at risk without their courageous actions."

Certificates also went to East Downs divisional commander Superintendent Simon Parr and Lewes sector commander Inspector Neil Moscrop.

Mr Parr worked with local authorities during the flooding crisis and his achievements were commented upon in the House of Commons.

Mr Moscrop displayed "exemplary leadership skills" in dealing with other agencies.

Special Officer Andrew Holter received a certificate for supporting the Malling community in Lewes, offering practical help to flood victims on his beat and working ten-hour shifts for five days.